United States v. Bruno ( 2019 )

U NITED S TATES AIR F ORCE
C OURT OF C RIMINAL APPEALS
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No. ACM 39421
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UNITED STATES
Appellee
v.
David W. BRUNO
Second Lieutenant (O-1), U.S. Air Force, Appellant
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Appeal from the United States Air Force Trial Judiciary
Decided 22 March 2019
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Military Judge: Christina M. Jimenez.
Approved sentence: Dismissal, confinement for 75 days, and forfeiture
of all pay and allowances. Sentence adjudged 22 December 2017 by GCM
convened at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana.
For Appellant: Major Mark J. Schwartz, USAF.
For Appellee: Lieutenant Colonel Joseph J. Kubler, USAF; Captain Mi-
chael T. Bunnell, USAF; Mary Ellen Payne, Esquire.
Before MAYBERRY, JOHNSON, and DENNIS, Appellate Military
Judges.
Senior Judge JOHNSON delivered the opinion of the court, in which
Chief Judge MAYBERRY and Judge DENNIS joined.
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This is an unpublished opinion and, as such, does not serve as
precedent under AFCCA Rule of Practice and Procedure 18.4.
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JOHNSON, Senior Judge:
A general court-martial composed of a military judge alone convicted Ap-
pellant, contrary to his pleas, of two specifications of wrongful use of metham-
phetamine in violation of Article 112a, Uniform Code of Military Justice
United States v. Bruno, No. ACM 39421
(UCMJ), 10 U.S.C. § 912a. The military judge sentenced Appellant to a dismis-
sal, confinement for 75 days, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances. The con-
vening authority approved the adjudged sentence.
Appellant raises three issues on appeal: (1) whether the military judge
properly suppressed Appellant’s urine sample; 1 (2) whether Appellant’s convic-
tions are legally and factually sufficient; and (3) whether the military judge
abused her discretion by admitting certain sentencing evidence. 2 We find no
prejudicial error and we affirm the findings and sentence.
I. BACKGROUND
Appellant was a weather officer stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base
(AFB), Louisiana. On 2 August 2016 Appellant was randomly selected to pro-
vide a urine sample for drug testing. This sample was tested at the Air Force
Drug Testing Laboratory (AFDTL) with a positive result for the presence of
two metabolites of methamphetamine. After this result was reported back to
Barksdale AFB, Appellant provided a second urine sample on 23 August 2016
in accordance with a urinalysis re-inspection policy memorandum signed by
the 2d Bomb Wing commander. This policy memorandum provided, inter alia,
that all military personnel “tested under the authority of the Barksdale AFB
Drug Demand Reduction Program[ ][w]hose urine sample has a positive test
result for the presence of any controlled substance, the presence of which is
without legal justification or authorization,” were “required to submit to follow-
up urinalysis testing . . . as a re-inspection.” 3 Appellant’s 23 August 2016 urine
sample also tested positive at the AFDTL for the same two metabolites of meth-
amphetamine.
Appellant was charged with two specifications of wrongful use of metham-
phetamine. At the initial session of Appellant’s court-martial held 8–9 March
2017, the Defense moved to suppress the results of Appellant’s second urine
test on the grounds that it was an illegal search rather than a proper re-in-
spection conducted in accordance with the 2d Bomb Wing commander’s policy.
The military judge granted the defense motion to suppress. The Government
made a timely appeal of the military judge’s ruling to this court pursuant to
Article 62, UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 862. After receiving pleadings from the parties
1In part, Appellant raises this issue personally pursuant to United States v. Grostefon,
12 M.J. 431 (C.M.A. 1982).
2Appellant personally raises the second and third issues pursuant to Grostefon, 12
M.J. 431.
3 See generally United States v. Bickel, 30 M.J. 277 (C.M.A. 1990).
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United States v. Bruno, No. ACM 39421
and hearing oral argument, on 23 August 2017 this court granted the Govern-
ment’s appeal and reversed the military judge’s ruling. United States v. Bruno,
Misc. Dkt. 2017–03, 2017 CCA LEXIS 573, at *23 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 23 Aug.
2017) (unpub. op.), rev. denied, 77 M.J. 107 (C.A.A.F. 2017).
Appellant’s trial reconvened on 21 December 2017. Contrary to Appellant’s
pleas, the military judge found Appellant guilty of both specifications.
II. DISCUSSION
A. Suppression of Appellant’s Second Urine Sample
On appeal, Appellant raises the issue that was the subject of the Govern-
ment’s Article 62, UCMJ, appeal and this court’s 23 August 2017 opinion. Es-
sentially, Appellant argues the military judge properly suppressed his second
urinalysis result because the collection and testing were not accomplished in
compliance with the 2d Bomb Wing commander’s policy memorandum, and
therefore the test was not a valid re-inspection in accordance with United
States v. Bickel, 30 M.J. 277 (C.M.A. 1990). Appellant’s counsel “recognizes and
understands” this court’s prior decision on this issue, but raises it in order to
preserve it for appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed
Forces. Appellant, in his personal capacity pursuant to United States v.
Grostefon, 12 M.J. 431 (C.M.A. 1982), contends that this court erred in its prior
decision and implies this court should reverse its prior ruling, stare decisis not-
withstanding. See generally United States v. Quick, 74 M.J. 332, 335–38
(C.A.A.F. 2015) (explaining the doctrine of stare decisis); United States v.
Tualla, 52 M.J. 228, 231 (C.A.A.F. 2000) (quoting Payne v. Tennessee, 501 U.S.
808, 827 (1991) (“Stare decisis is a principle of decision making, not a rule, and
need not be applied when the precedent at issue is ‘unworkable or . . . badly
reasoned.’”). We continue to adhere to the reasoning and holding of our prior
decision, and this issue requires no further analysis here. Bruno, unpub. op.
B. Legal and Factual Sufficiency
1. Law
We review issues of legal and factual sufficiency de novo. Article 66(c),
UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. § 866(c) (2016); United States v. Washington, 57 M.J. 394,
399 (C.A.A.F. 2002). Our assessment of legal and factual sufficiency is limited
to the evidence presented at trial. United States v. Roderick, 62 M.J. 425, 431
(C.A.A.F. 2006) (citations omitted).
The test for legal sufficiency of the evidence is “whether, considering the
evidence in the light most favorable to the prosecution, a reasonable factfinder
could have found all the essential elements beyond a reasonable doubt.” United
States v. Turner, 25 M.J. 324 (C.M.A. 1987) (citation omitted); see also United
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United States v. Bruno, No. ACM 39421
States v. Humpherys, 57 M.J. 83, 94 (C.A.A.F. 2002) (citations omitted). “[I]n
resolving questions of legal sufficiency, we are bound to draw every reasonable
inference from the evidence of record in favor of the prosecution.” United States
v. Barner, 56 M.J. 131, 134 (C.A.A.F. 2001) (citations omitted).
The test for factual sufficiency is “whether, after weighing the evidence in
the record of trial and making allowances for not having personally observed
the witnesses, [we are] convinced of the [appellant]’s guilt beyond a reasonable
doubt.” Turner, 25 M.J. at 325; see also United States v. Reed, 54 M.J. 37, 41
(C.A.A.F. 2000). In conducting this unique appellate role, we take “a fresh, im-
partial look at the evidence,” applying “neither a presumption of innocence nor
a presumption of guilt” to “make [our] own independent determination as to
whether the evidence constitutes proof of each required element beyond a rea-
sonable doubt.” Washington, 57 M.J. at 399. “The term reasonable doubt . . .
does not mean that the evidence must be free from conflict.” United States v.
Wheeler, 76 M.J. 564, 568 (A.F. Ct. Crim. App. 2017) (citing United States v.
Lips, 22 M.J. 679, 684 (A.F.C.M.R. 1986)), aff’d, 77 M.J. 289 (C.A.A.F. 2018).
2. Analysis
The Government was required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that: (1)
Appellant used methamphetamine on the dates alleged; 4 and (2) the use was
wrongful—that is, without legal justification or authorization. See Manual for
Courts-Martial, United States (2016 ed.), pt. IV, ¶ 37.b.(2), c.(5). Appellant con-
tends the Government’s evidence failed to do so. He points to the testimony of
Dr. HN, an AFDTL lab certifying official (LCO) who testified for the Govern-
ment as an expert in forensic toxicology, forensic chemistry, and AFDTL oper-
ations and procedures. Dr. HN acknowledged on cross-examination that “mis-
takes happen,” that mistakes have occurred in the past in the collection and
testing of urine samples sent to the AFDTL, and that certain other AFDTL
LCOs had been decertified from performing particular tasks at various points
in time. Appellant further notes the absence of testimony from any witness
who observed Appellant using illegal drugs and Dr. HN’s concession that Ap-
pellant’s drug test results were consistent with either knowing or unknowing
ingestion of methamphetamine.
Nevertheless, we find the Government introduced powerful evidence of Ap-
pellant’s guilt. Most significantly, two separate samples of Appellant’s urine
collected three weeks apart tested positive for the same two metabolites of
methamphetamine. Dr. HN testified that based on the detection window for
4 Specification 1 alleged Appellant used methamphetamine between on or about
19 July 2016 and on or about 2 August 2016; Specification 2 alleged use between on or
about 9 August 2016 and on or about 23 August 2016.
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United States v. Bruno, No. ACM 39421
methamphetamine metabolites in the human body she was “very certain” these
test results represent two different uses of methamphetamine. After reviewing
the documentation associated with the test results, Dr. HN was also “very cer-
tain” each of Appellant’s samples contained metabolites of methamphetamine.
The individuals involved in observing, collecting, and shipping Appellant’s
urine samples testified to the security of the chain of custody. A properly-ad-
mitted urinalysis accompanied by expert testimony may “provide[ ] a legally
sufficient basis upon which to draw the permissive inference of knowing,
wrongful use, without testimony on the merits concerning physiological ef-
fects.” United States v. Green, 55 M.J. 76, 81 (C.A.A.F. 2001) (citation omitted).
In Appellant’s case, the two separate positive urinalysis tests accompanied by
Dr. HN’s testimony were compelling evidence that Appellant knowingly and
wrongfully used methamphetamine on two occasions.
The Government introduced additional evidence to buttress the urinalysis
results. Dr. HN testified that someone “coming down off of the methampheta-
mine – when you come down off a central nervous stimulant like that they
might feel kind of tired and irritable.” Appellant’s supervisor, Captain (Capt)
CVA, testified that in July 2016 Appellant learned his brother had been mur-
dered; thereafter, Appellant sometimes seemed “tired and fatigued” and re-
ported late for duty on multiple occasions. In particular, Appellant’s training
instructor at the weather squadron, AG, testified that on the morning of 2 Au-
gust 2016—the day Appellant provided the first urine sample—Appellant re-
ported for duty more than two hours late. Capt CVA testified that on 23 August
2016, after Appellant was interviewed by the Air Force Office of Special Inves-
tigations and provided the second urine sample, Appellant spontaneously told
Capt CVA that “he knew he was going to pop positive again on the second test”
because he “just took an old prescription.” Colonel SZ, a doctor and medical
review officer who reviewed Appellant’s medical records, testified that Appel-
lant had no medical prescription and no “valid medical reason” that would ac-
count for the presence of one of the metabolites of methamphetamine detected
in his urine.
Drawing “every reasonable inference from the evidence of record in favor of
the prosecution,” the evidence was legally sufficient to support Appellant’s con-
victions for wrongful use of methamphetamine beyond a reasonable doubt.
Barner, 56 M.J. at 134. Moreover, having weighed the evidence in the record
of trial and having made allowances for not having personally observed the
witnesses, we are convinced of Appellant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
See Turner, 25 M.J. at 325. Therefore we also find Appellant’s convictions fac-
tually sufficient.
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C. Sentencing Evidence
1. Additional Background
During sentencing proceedings the Defense objected to the introduction of
three exhibits, Prosecution Exhibits 9, 11, and 12. Prosecution Exhibit 9 was
Appellant’s performance report, which contained no derogatory information.
Prosecution Exhibit 11 was a May 2017 letter of counseling for being late re-
porting for duty and for wearing an ill-fitting uniform, accompanied by Appel-
lant’s written response. Prosecution Exhibit 12 consisted of two Air Force
Forms 1058, Unfavorable Information File Action (Oct. 2012), dated July and
October 2017, together with three letters of reprimand for failure to report for
duty on time and Appellant’s written response to each reprimand. The Defense
objected to these exhibits on the basis that the Government had not provided
notice of these documents until approximately one hour before they were of-
fered. Trial counsel explained the Prosecution had received these documents
only “a few days” earlier, but acknowledged the Government had failed to com-
ply with the military judge’s scheduling order due to an “oversight.”
The military judge then asked trial defense counsel, “how much time do
you think you’ll need? The court is inclined to give you as much as you need.”
Trial defense counsel responded that “exclusion” rather than “more time” was
“the only proper remedy.” After trial counsel proposed that “time is the rem-
edy,” the following colloquy ensued:
DC [Trial Defense Counsel]: The only thing I would add, Your
Honor, is that in terms of prejudice, part of us receiving notice
of these things are to be able to challenge not only the technical-
ities but the substantive allegations and what’s said in these as
well, and also to give [Appellant], to provide context or wit-
nesses. We’ve not had adequate time to do this. As far as preju-
dice, we would just assert that that is not the case, and that
there is prejudice, because we had not been afforded time to do
all that. And asking us to do this tonight would not be adequate
– would not be due process for [Appellant], just given the tem-
poral considerations of – the government has had the benefit of
this for over a year, as to one document, and months for the lat-
est document.
MJ [Military Judge]: Counsel, you bring up time. Are you re-
questing more time? And I mean more than tonight.
[The defense counsel conferred with co-counsel.]
DC: Your Honor, we’re not asking for more time, no. We’re just
relying on our original objection and our original requested rem-
edy.
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United States v. Bruno, No. ACM 39421
MJ: Thank you, counsel. In light of the government’s late discov-
ery, the court is only inclined to grant the defense more time. As
you’re not requesting any greater time, are there any further ob-
jections to Prosecution Exhibits 9, 11, and 12 for identification?
DC: No, Your Honor.
2. Law
We review a military judge’s decision to admit sentencing evidence for an
abuse of discretion. United States v. Stephens, 67 M.J. 233, 235 (C.A.A.F. 2009)
(citing United States v. Manns, 54 M.J. 164, 166 (C.A.A.F. 2000)). We also re-
view a military judge’s remedy for a discovery violation for an abuse of discre-
tion. United States v. Stellato, 74 M.J. 473, 480 (C.A.A.F. 2015) (citing United
States v. Trimper, 28 M.J. 460, 461–62 (C.M.A. 1989)). “The abuse of discretion
standard is a strict one, calling for more than a mere difference of opinion. The
challenged action must be ‘arbitrary, fanciful, clearly unreasonable,’ or ‘clearly
erroneous.’” United States v. McElhaney, 54 M.J. 120, 130 (C.A.A.F. 2000) (cit-
ing United States v. Miller, 46 M.J. 63, 65 (C.A.A.F. 1997); United States v.
Travers, 25 M.J. 61, 62 (C.M.A. 1987)). “A military judge abuses his discretion
when: (1) the findings of fact upon which he predicates his ruling are not sup-
ported by the evidence of record; (2) if incorrect legal principles were used; or
(3) if his application of the correct legal principles to the facts is clearly unrea-
sonable.” United States v. Ellis, 68 M.J. 341, 344 (C.A.A.F. 2010) (citing United
States v. Mackie, 66 M.J. 198, 199 (C.A.A.F. 2008)).
Rule for Courts-Martial (R.C.M.) 1001(b)(2) provides that during sentenc-
ing proceedings the Government may introduce from the accused’s personnel
records evidence of, inter alia, the character of the accused’s prior service, in-
cluding “evidence of any disciplinary actions.” R.C.M. 701(a)(5)(A) provides
that upon request by the Defense, trial counsel shall permit inspection of “such
written material as will be presented by the prosecution at the presentencing
proceedings.”
3. Analysis
Appellant contends the Government’s failure to provide earlier notice of
these exhibits denied his trial defense counsel “an opportunity to investigate
these documents and prepare a defense against them.” We find the military
judge did not abuse her discretion in admitting these documents.
Trial defense counsel’s only objection to these documents was the Govern-
ment’s failure to provide timely notice. The Defense made no substantive ob-
jection to the evidence. The military judge advised trial defense counsel she
would give the Defense as much time as it needed. This proposed remedy was
not “clearly unreasonable” or “clearly erroneous” given the nature of the viola-
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tion and the exhibits. Prosecution Exhibit 9 was a performance report that Ap-
pellant signed electronically in February 2017 and which contained no derog-
atory data; it should have been no surprise to the Defense, and in any event it
was not prejudicial to Appellant. Prosecution Exhibits 11 and 12, although
prejudicial, had also been previously served on Appellant and included his
written responses to the counseling and reprimands. At trial, the Defense spe-
cifically declined the military judge’s offer of more time to prepare in response
to these documents. On appeal, Appellant fails to specify any investigative
step, witness, evidence, or other countermeasure the Defense was denied the
opportunity to pursue in response to the untimely notice of this otherwise
proper evidence.
We do not condone the untimely disclosure of sentencing evidence. The mil-
itary judge might have exercised her discretion to impose on the Government
a harsher remedy such as exclusion of the exhibits. However, under these cir-
cumstances we find the military judge did not abuse her discretion by conclud-
ing that affording the Defense additional time to prepare would be a sufficient
remedy, or by admitting the exhibits when the Defense declined the offer of
additional time and failed to make any further objection.
III. CONCLUSION
The approved findings and sentence are correct in law and fact, and no er-
ror materially prejudicial to the substantial rights of Appellant occurred. Arti-
cles 59(a) and 66(c), UCMJ, 10 U.S.C. §§ 859(a), 866(c) (2016). Accordingly, the
findings and sentence are AFFIRMED.
FOR THE COURT
CAROL K. JOYCE
Clerk of the Court
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